MOSCOW, February 20 (RIA Novosti) – The Defense Ministry and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) are close to signing a deal for new Ilyushin Il-78 Midas aerial refuelling tankers for the Russian Air Force, a UAC source told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.

“The contract for the delivery of Il-78 planes is at the signing stage,” the source said without specifying the number of aircraft

The current list price for an Il-78 aerial tanker is about 3.5 billion rubles ($116 mln). Some media reports earlier speculated that the Russian Defense Ministry may order up to 31 new Il-78 planes.

The ll-78 is a four-engine aerial refueling tanker based on the Il-76 heavy transport plane. A modernized version of the Il-76MD-90A (also known as Il-476) will soon enter serial production at the Ulyanovsk-based Aviastar-SP plant. The new tankers will most likely be based on the Il-76MD-90A .

The Russian Defense Ministry said last October it had signed a contract worth about 140 billion rubles ($4 billion) with UAC for the delivery of 39 Il-476 planes by 2020. Military Transport Aviation's commander Col. Gen. Vladimir Benediktov later said the service would in fact buy 48 of the planes by 2020.

According to open sources, the Russian Air Force operates 19 Il-78 aircraft in the 203rd Guards Air Refueling Regiment.

Last edited by George1 on Fri May 12, 2017 1:31 pm; edited 1 time in total

Probably can't be bothered developing a new type based on an aircraft that is not in widespread use.

The Il-476 is going to be entering production for the A-100 AWACS, Il-76M transport, and likely A-60 laser roles and probably a jammer and perhaps other versions like fire fighters, so making some for inflight refuelling makes a lot of sense.

Another thing in its favour is that it can operate from a wider range of air strips than a wide bodied airliner could, and with improvements to its engines and electronics it should be pretty good at its job.

Previously Inflight refuelling was not a huge priority as only long range strike and strategic aircraft had inflight refuelling capability (ie Su-24s, Mig-31s, and Bears and Blackjacks), but now as new Russian tactical aircraft get inflight refuelling capability there becomes a larger requirement for more tankers, though the PAK FA and Flanker series probably wont need to refuel much as most Flankers don't take off with full internal fuel let alone needing a top up mid flight.

Defense Ministry will order in Voronezh tanker based on the Il-96http://www.aviaport.ru/digest/2013/08/01/260543.html

During his visit to Voronezh Russian Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov acquainted with the project using aircraft Il-96-400 military aircraft to refuel in the air. Prospects for an order for the machines to be discussed at a meeting with the Chairman of the Military-Industrial Commission under the Government of the Russian Federation Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, in mid-August.

Today bombers and fighters in the country refuel "trucks" that are based on the Soviet IL-76, which were issued in Tashkent. In Voronezh, doing more modern transport aircraft - IL-96 - which can also be converted for military use. In a modification of their fuel capacity doubled, and range - almost three times greater than that of IL-76. The corresponding order will provide mass production of this type of aircraft until 2020.

How to tell the "WP" in the Voronezh Aircraft Plant (VASO), representatives of the Ministry of Defense were interested in the idea of ​​converting almost three tankers new liner Il-96-400T. Four of these machines made to order "IFC Leasing" for the local airline "flight." In the operation of the market long-distance freight traffic has changed dramatically, and the park had to leave just one side. The question of placing an order for new tankers included in the agenda for the August meeting of Dmitry Rogozin.

Scheduled to speak there and the resumption of pre-production light military transport Il-112. As reported by "RG", it was developed in the framework of the state defense order, but the budget allocated regularly, and in 2010, the funding altogether ceased. Although the aircraft was listed in federal weapons program until 2015, at the VACO supposed to let out on 18 of these cars in a year. Now there was an idea to "unfreeze" the project, making a bet on the dual-purpose aircraft: one seating arrangement can carry Marines, on the other - "civilian". In this case, the Ministry of War to share the costs with commercial airlines - members of the state program of development of regional air transportation. In the United Aircraft Corporation stated that the positive decision in 2015 to produce realistic prototypes of the 2018-2020-m - expand production.

Recall now VASO fulfills the order by the Ministry of Defence production of 15 An-148 in special versions: the end of the year will give one side, in 2014 and 2015, four in 2016 and 2017 - three. The contract for the supply of specialized AN-148 signed with the FSB. In addition, the plant produces two Il-96-300 for a special aircraft division "Russia" (subordinate administration of President), two more have to put the year 2015. The portfolio of orders as "truck" IL-96-400VPU for the company "Rosneft".

Austin wrote:Defense Ministry will order in Voronezh tanker based on the Il-96http://www.aviaport.ru/digest/2013/08/01/260543.html

During his visit to Voronezh Russian Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov acquainted with the project using aircraft Il-96-400 military aircraft to refuel in the air. Prospects for an order for the machines to be discussed at a meeting with the Chairman of the Military-Industrial Commission under the Government of the Russian Federation Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, in mid-August.

Today bombers and fighters in the country refuel "trucks" that are based on the Soviet IL-76, which were issued in Tashkent. In Voronezh, doing more modern transport aircraft - IL-96 - which can also be converted for military use. In a modification of their fuel capacity doubled, and range - almost three times greater than that of IL-76. The corresponding order will provide mass production of this type of aircraft until 2020.

How to tell the "WP" in the Voronezh Aircraft Plant (VASO), representatives of the Ministry of Defense were interested in the idea of ​​converting almost three tankers new liner Il-96-400T. Four of these machines made to order "IFC Leasing" for the local airline "flight." In the operation of the market long-distance freight traffic has changed dramatically, and the park had to leave just one side. The question of placing an order for new tankers included in the agenda for the August meeting of Dmitry Rogozin.

Scheduled to speak there and the resumption of pre-production light military transport Il-112. As reported by "RG", it was developed in the framework of the state defense order, but the budget allocated regularly, and in 2010, the funding altogether ceased. Although the aircraft was listed in federal weapons program until 2015, at the VACO supposed to let out on 18 of these cars in a year. Now there was an idea to "unfreeze" the project, making a bet on the dual-purpose aircraft: one seating arrangement can carry Marines, on the other - "civilian". In this case, the Ministry of War to share the costs with commercial airlines - members of the state program of development of regional air transportation. In the United Aircraft Corporation stated that the positive decision in 2015 to produce realistic prototypes of the 2018-2020-m - expand production.

Recall now VASO fulfills the order by the Ministry of Defence production of 15 An-148 in special versions: the end of the year will give one side, in 2014 and 2015, four in 2016 and 2017 - three. The contract for the supply of specialized AN-148 signed with the FSB. In addition, the plant produces two Il-96-300 for a special aircraft division "Russia" (subordinate administration of President), two more have to put the year 2015. The portfolio of orders as "truck" IL-96-400VPU for the company "Rosneft".

I have to agree... the Il-76 is not ideal as a tanker... especially for strategic bombers.

New tankers based on the Il-96 would be ideal and there would still be room for Il-476 based tanker aircraft too as most new Russian aircraft have inflight refuelling probes so the fleet will need expansion anyway.

I have to agree... the Il-76 is not ideal as a tanker... especially for strategic bombers.

New tankers based on the Il-96 would be ideal and there would still be room for Il-476 based tanker aircraft too as most new Russian aircraft have inflight refuelling probes so the fleet will need expansion anyway.

This is why I would like to see a Il-96 AWACS as well. Most other countries with AWACS use long range or regional jets with a massive radar. Reduce costs in development as well as plenty of spare parts.

The Il-76 is basically a strategic airlifter so it has range and payload capacity, but everything from its wing with all the high lift devices and its undercarriage optimised for rough airfields mean it very over built for the role of tanker which will operate from paved runways all the time.

An Il-96 AWACS would be a good idea too, but I think the Il-78 could be kept in service too and they also need a much smaller AWACS type like the Yak-44 that could be sold to allies and used to fill small gaps in coverage like over mountainous areas and indeed for carrier use too.

"Russia has developed a new version of tanker aircraft, which is capable of transporting more than 65 tonnes of fuel for 13,000 km. Its core tasks will include refueling the interceptors and long-distance strategic bombers, including those carrying nuclear weapons. The order from the Ministry of Defence to the United Aircraft Corporation came in 2014. The first two aircraft should be delivered in early 2015. The new tanker aircraft will be able to carry twice as much fuel, and for 2,000 km further than their predecessors IL-76."

Aviastar-SP started production of the first test Il-78M-90A tanker aircraftRussian Aviaton » Tuesday February 24, 2015 17:15 MSK

Ulyanovsk-based Aviastar-SP started production of the first test Il-78M-90A next-generation tanker aircraft developed by Ilyushin Company. The assembly of fuselage sections and wing is underway. The work is being carried out under the contract with Russian Ministry of Defense for development of the next-generation tanker aircraft, press-service of Ilyushin Company reports.

“This Il-78M-90A aircraft will be the first tanker aircraft manufactured in Russia. Earlier all the tankers were assembled by Tashkent Aviation Production Association named after V.P. Chkalov (TAPOiCh, Uzbekistan). Il-78M-90A was derived from Il-76MD-90A jet. In accordance with the customer’s requirements the aircraft must be able to serve as a military-transport jet: it must have a ramp, aerial delivery system and it must be able to use fire-fighting equipment. The aircraft can also be fitted with fueling equipment – additional fuel tanks located inside the cabin and universal suspended fueling equipment,” the company noted.

Il-78M-90A aircraft will be the primary tanker aircraft used to refuel aircraft operated by long-range, frontline and special aviation. The jet allows refueling two aircraft simultaneously (like Su-27 and MiG-29) using fueling equipment mounted on its wing. The tail fueling equipment is designed for refueling of long-range and special aviation aircraft. Moreover, Il-78M-90A is capable of refueling up to 4 aircraft simultaneously while on the ground, Ilyushin Company noted.

“The jet is powered by four PS-90A-76 engines with an increased bypass ratio and takeoff thrust (one of two modes may be activated during takeoff: maximum contingency rating with a thrust of 16 tons and maximum rating with a thrust of 14,5 tons). Specific fuel consumption of PS-90A-76 engine is 12-14% lower compared to D-30KP engine. Design and development of design documentation as well as production of the jet is being carried out using “paperless technology”, the press-service added.

Deliveries of new Il-78M-90A tanker aircraft to Russian air forces will be started in 2018Russian Aviaton » Wednesday March 11, 2015 16:57 MSK

Deliveries of new Il-78M-90A tanker aircraft to Russian air forces will be started in 2018, RIA Novosti reports with reference to a source close to the Russian military-industrial sector.

This Il-78M-90A aircraft will be the first tanker aircraft manufactured in Russia. Earlier all the tankers were assembled by Tashkent Aviation Production Association named after V.P. Chkalov (TAPOiCh, Uzbekistan).

“It is expected that the first Il-78M-90A will be delivered to the air forces in 2018,” the source noted.

This February United Aircraft Corporation said that Ulyanovsk Aviation Plant started production of first Il-78M-90A prototype.

Il-78M-90A derived from Il-76MD-90A aircraft will be the primary tanker aircraft used to refuel aircraft operated by long-range, frontline and special aviation.

The jet allows refueling two aircraft simultaneously (like Su-27 and MiG-29) using fueling equipment mounted on its wing. The tail fueling equipment is designed for refueling of long-range and special aviation aircraft.

Well, Ilyushin so far is in pretty good financial position with skilled workers. After Il-476 growing popularity and sales + potential sales, they could start work on an alternative. Something in the 100 tone range.

sepheronx wrote:Well, Ilyushin so far is in pretty good financial position with skilled workers. After Il-476 growing popularity and sales + potential sales, they could start work on an alternative. Something in the 100 tone range.

Well they always can improve Il96T, freighter version of Il96 wide body liner, it should have in original variant around 92t lift capability, with some work that should reach 100t with ease.

sepheronx wrote:Well, Ilyushin so far is in pretty good financial position with skilled workers. After Il-476 growing popularity and sales + potential sales, they could start work on an alternative. Something in the 100 tone range.

Well they always can improve Il96T, freighter version of Il96 wide body liner, it should have in original variant around 92t lift capability, with some work that should reach 100t with ease.

That would be a good idea. I know they were floating the Il-96 aircrafts around for a bit to possibly get more.

sepheronx wrote:Well, Ilyushin so far is in pretty good financial position with skilled workers. After Il-476 growing popularity and sales + potential sales, they could start work on an alternative. Something in the 100 tone range.

Well they always can improve Il96T, freighter version of Il96 wide body liner, it should have in original variant around 92t lift capability, with some work that should reach 100t with ease.

That would be a good idea. I know they were floating the Il-96 aircrafts around for a bit to possibly get more.

They will probably build new presidental planes again on IL96 platform, and they ordered tankers on same platform, so yeah production of a sort still exist, in very small amounts tho.

"In January, the Russian defence ministry awarded UAC a contract to build the first two Il-96-400TZ tankers, with the capability of transferring up to 65t of fuel using OPCD-1 refueling pods already developed for Il-78 tankers."

"Deliveries of new Il-78M-90A tanker aircraft to Russian air forces will be started in 2018, RIA Novosti reports with reference to a source close to the Russian military-industrial sector.

This Il-78M-90A aircraft will be the first tanker aircraft manufactured in Russia. Earlier all the tankers were assembled by Tashkent Aviation Production Association named after V.P. Chkalov (TAPOiCh, Uzbekistan). “It is expected that the first Il-78M-90A will be delivered to the air forces in 2018,” the source noted. This February United Aircraft Corporation said that Ulyanovsk Aviation Plant started production of first Il-78M-90A prototype.

Il-78M-90A derived from Il-76MD-90A aircraft will be the primary tanker aircraft used to refuel aircraft operated by long-range, frontline and special aviation. The jet allows refueling two aircraft simultaneously (like Su-27 and MiG-29) using fueling equipment mounted on its wing. The tail fueling equipment is designed for refueling of long-range and special aviation aircraft."

"New RuAF airtanker IL-78M-90A to be able to carry up to 110 t fuel First flight expected in May 2016 via Aviastar-SP"

Bluetooth is a wireless communication system, and would not be very useful in aligning the hose with the drogue...

Personally I would love to see the Russians produce an Il-96 based tanker aircraft... it could be used as a dedicated system for the strategic aviation for strategic bombers on theatre or strategic missions.

the Il-96 is bigger and heavier than the Il-76/78 but would have better long range cruise performance and higher speed and altitude capabilities.

The Il-476 can be used as the basis for a tactical aircraft refuelling aircraft for lighter planes... so Il-96T for Bear, Blackjack and PAK DA and also MiG-31 in PVO missions and Il-47 for everything else with inflight refuelling probes.

Rather than an Il-96 based AWACS I would go the other way and have a smaller aircraft for the role to make it smaller and lighter and cheaper so it can be sold to countries like India etc as a force multiplier and gap filler in ground defences and of course rather better than ground radar for detecting cruise missile attacks... and a carrier based version would be useful too.

GarryB wrote:Bluetooth is a wireless communication system, and would not be very useful in aligning the hose with the drogue...

Personally I would love to see the Russians produce an Il-96 based tanker aircraft... it could be used as a dedicated system for the strategic aviation for strategic bombers on theatre or strategic missions.

the Il-96 is bigger and heavier than the Il-76/78 but would have better long range cruise performance and higher speed and altitude capabilities.

The Il-476 can be used as the basis for a tactical aircraft refuelling aircraft for lighter planes... so Il-96T for Bear, Blackjack and PAK DA and also MiG-31 in PVO missions and Il-47 for everything else with inflight refuelling probes.

Rather than an Il-96 based AWACS I would go the other way and have a smaller aircraft for the role to make it smaller and lighter and cheaper so it can be sold to countries like India etc as a force multiplier and gap filler in ground defences and of course rather better than ground radar for detecting cruise missile attacks... and a carrier based version would be useful too.

"Russia has ordered two Ilyushin Il-96-400TZ air-to-air refuelling aircraft from United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced. The contract is notable as it marks the first time that Russia will convert one of its civilian wide-bodied airliners into a military air-to-air refuelling tanker aircraft.

The aircraft, which are specified as being newbuilds, will supplement the Russian Air Force's existing fleet of 20 Ilyushin Il-78 'Midas' tanker aircraft. According to the MoD, the new aircraft will be fitted with the same UPAZ-1 (Unifitsirovanny Podvesnoy Agregaht Zaprahvky: Standardised Suspended Refuelling Unit) wing-mounted air-to-air refuelling pods as the Il-78. The MoD added that the Il-96-400TZ aircraft would be able to transfer in excess of 65 tons (58,967 kg) of fuel at ranges of up to 3,500 km. The four-engine Il-96 civilian airliner first entered service with Aeroflot in 1992 and now only remains in service with the Cubana airline and the Rossiya Russian government state fleet - which operates several Il-96 variants, including the Il-96-300PU Russian presidential aircraft.

The conversion of Il-96 airliners into air-to-air refuelling (AAR) aircraft has long been suggested, although the idea had appeared to have fallen by the wayside. The move mirrors AAR tanker developments in the West, which typically leverages existing commercial passenger aircraft designs. In contrast Russia currently relies on its fleet of Il-78/Il-78M AAR aircraft, derived from the Il-76 'Candid' strategic transport aircraft, to provide the air force with an AAR capability."

They kinda did, just i dont think they will form mainstray of the tanker fleet, seems these few Il96 based tankers are stopgap.